Omega-3 Ratio Research Articles

Genetic liability of gut microbiota for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung function: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

The microbiota-gut-lung axis has elucidated a potential association between gut microbiota and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, there is a paucity of population-level studies with providing robust evidence for establishing causality. This two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis aimed to investigate the causal relationship between the gut microbiota and IPF as well as lung function. Adhering to Mendel's principle of inheritance, this MR analysis utilized summary-level data from respective genome-wide association studies (GWAS) involving 211 gut microbial taxa, IPF, and lung function indicators such as FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC. A bidirectional two-sample MR design was employed, utilizing multiple MR analysis methods, including inverse variance-weighted (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger, and weighted mode. Multivariable MR (MVMR) was used to uncover mediating factors connecting the exposure and outcome. Additionally, comprehensive sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure the robustness of the results. The MR results confirmed four taxa were found causally associated with the risk of IPF. Order Bifidobacteriales (OR=0.773, 95% CI: 0.610-0.979, p=0.033), Family Bifidobacteriaceae (OR=0.773, 95% CI: 0.610-0.979, p=0.033), and Genus RuminococcaceaeUCG009 (OR=0.793, 95% CI: 0.652-0.965, p=0.020) exerted protective effects on IPF, while Genus Coprococcus2 (OR=1.349, 95% CI: 1.021-1.783, p=0.035) promote the development of IPF. Several taxa were causally associated with lung function, with those in Class Deltaproteobacteria, Order Desulfovibrionales, Family Desulfovibrionaceae, Class Verrucomicrobiae, Order Verrucomicrobiales and Family Verrucomicrobiaceae being the most prominent beneficial microbiota, while those in Family Lachnospiraceae, Genus Oscillospira, and Genus Parasutterella were associated with impaired lung function. As for the reverse analysis, MR results confirmed the effects of FEV1 and FVC on the increased abundance of six taxa (Phylum Actinobacteria, Class Actinobacteria, Order Bifidobacteriales, Family Bifidobacteriaceae, Genus Bifidobacterium, and Genus Ruminiclostridium9) with a boosted level of evidence. MVMR suggested monounsaturated fatty acids, total fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, and ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to total fatty acids as potential mediating factors in the genetic association between gut microbiota and IPF. The current study suggested the casual effects of the specific gut microbes on the risk of IPF and lung function. In turn, lung function also exerted a positive role in some gut microbes. A reasonable dietary intake of lipid substances has a certain protective effect against the occurrence and progression of IPF. This study provides novel insights into the potential role of gut microbiota in IPF and indicates a possible gut microbiota-mediated mechanism for the prevention of IPF.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Therapy: A Review of Study Design Flaws, Quality, and Composition

There is marked heterogeneity in the clinical response to omega-3 fatty acid therapy with many authors documenting futility in large-scale trials, secondary re-analysis, and meta-analysis. The question of failure in the context of omega-3 therapy is multifactorial and complicated by the observation that fish intake has been broadly linked to significant risk reductions across a range of conditions. The question that remains is how can we resolve the discrepancy between pre-clinical evidence and epidemiology, which dually emphasize the benefit of omega-3 therapy against the limited success of large-scale clinical trials and smaller scale clinical studies that do not consistently report benefit and may even report harm, especially as it pertains to atrial fibrillation. We present three primary considerations that may clarify the supposed failures of omega-3 therapy: 1) correction for omega-3:omega-6 ratio and competition, 2) variation in the fatty acid composition and quality of omega-3 products, and 3) fundamental concerns pertaining to the omega-3 vehicle and its impact on omega-3 metabolism. While the predominant source of omega-3 therapy is supplements, they are typically not regulated prior to market like drugs and have significant variability in fatty acid composition, vehicle, oxidation, and quality control. Further, the individual response to omega-3 therapy is likely variable and dependent on ambient dietary conditions and inherited differences in endogenous desaturase activity, which has infrequently been accounted for in large studies. The net effect of these concerns should engender pharmaceutical and consumer companies alike to consider 1) refining trial design and 2) consider the role of oxidation in the failure of omega-3 products.

Assessment of Nutritional Composition of Turkish Red Crescent Menus After the M7.8 and M7.6 Earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye.

This study aims to evaluate the nutritional content and quality of the Turkish Red Crescent (TRC) menus delivered to earthquake victims after the 2023 earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye. The menus of general, search-rescue, diabetes, and celiac were obtained from the TRC following the magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.6 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. The nutrient content of the menus was evaluated with the Nutrient Rich Food (NRF20.3) score. In addition, the menus' energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient contents were compared with the dietary reference intake values of the Türkiye Dietary Guideline-2022, European Food Safety Authority, and Food and Drug Administration. The general menu was insufficient to meet the daily requirements of vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium for earthquake victims. The sodium, phosphorous, and omega-6/omega-3 ratios were much higher than the recommended intakes. The NRF20.3 score of the diabetes menu was significantly higher than the search-rescue and celiac menus (P < 0.05). The energy content of the search-rescue menu was significantly higher than that of other menus (P < 0.05). The several nutritional risks were determined in TRC menus for earthquake victims who suffered from the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. Several supplementation programs can be applied to the earthquake regions to obtain strength immunity and effectively challenge posttraumatic stress symptoms.

Distinct and Overlapping Metabolites Associated with Visual Impairment and Cognitive Impairment.

Previous studies found that visual impairment (VI) is associated with higher risk of cognitive impairment, but the molecular basis of these conditions is unknown. We aim to compare the metabolite associations of VI and cognitive impairment. The study population with comprehensive measurements was derived from the UK Biobank study. Visual acuity worse than 0.3 logMAR units were defined as VI. Failure in one or more of the four cognitive tests was defined as cognitive impairment. A panel of 249 metabolites was measured using a nuclear magnetic resonance metabolites profiling platform. Logistic regression models were applied to compare metabolite associations with VI and cognitive impairment. 23,775 participants with complete data on visual acuity, cognitive tests and metabolomics, and without a history of neurological disorders at baseline were included. After adjusting for confounding factors, VI was significantly associated with cognitive impairment (odds ratio[OR] = 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27-1.74, p < 0.001). After multiple testing correction (p < 9×10-4), five metabolites including the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) (OR = 1.18[1.10-1.27]), ratio of omega-3 to total FAs (OR = 0.84[0.77-0.91]), ratio of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to total FAs (OR = 0.86[0.80-0.94]), DHA (OR = 0.85[0.78-0.92]), and omega-3 FAs (OR = 0.84[0.77-0.91]) were uniquely associated with VI. Glycoprotein acetyls (OR = 1.06[1.03-1.10]) and alanine (OR = 0.95[0.92-0.98]) were exclusively associated with cognitive impairment. Albumin was identified as the common metabolite shared by the two phenotypes (OR = 0.90[0.85-0.95] for VI, and 0.95[0.92-0.98]) for cognitive impairment). We identified distinct and overlapping metabolites associated with VI and cognitive impairment, unveiling their distinct metabolic profiles and potential common pathophysiology.

Comparative Investigation of Fatty Acids in the Mauritania sardinella and Moroccan Sardine

Aims: The present study was carried out to evaluate the quality and quantity of lipids and fatty acids in Mauritanian sardines (Sardinella aurita) and Moroccan sardines (Sardina pilchardus). Methods: Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses were adopted thereof. Results: the studied samples were found to be very rich in lipids: 17-26% for Mauritanian sardinella and 45-48% for Moroccan sardine. Thus, GC/MS analyses revealed that the fatty acids contents in both samples were subdivided into three essential groups: polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids. The semi-quantitative analysis results, calculated using chromatographic peak areas, have shown that Moroccan sardine is very rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (mainly docosahexaenoic (DHA) and ecosapentaenoic (EPA) acids) and monounsaturated fatty acids (mainly oleic acid), compared to Mauritanian sardinella, who is very rich in monosaturated fatty acids (mainly palmitoleic acid). Conclusion: The lower valuable lipid content of sardinella was probably due to sampling conditions realized during the reproduction period. On the other hand, the omega-6/omega-3 ratio is higher in Mauritania sardinella than in Moroccan sardine.

Exploring the metabolomic landscape: Perilla frutescens as a promising enhancer of production, flavor, and nutrition in Tan lamb meat

Addressing health-related concerns linked to the metabolite profile of lamb meat has become paramount, in line with the growing demand for enhanced flavor and taste. We examined the impact of Perilla frutescens seeds on Tan lamb growth, carcass traits, and metabolite profiles. Three diets were employed: a low-concentrate group (LC), a high-concentrate group (HC), and a PFS group (the LC diet supplemented with 3% Perilla frutescens seeds) on a dry matter basis. Forty-five male Tan-lambs (approximately six months) with similar body weights (25.1 kg ± 1.12 SD) were randomly assigned to one of these three groups for 84-day feeding, including an initial 14-day adjustment phase. The supplementation of PFS resulted in increased average daily gain (P < 0.01) and improved carcass quality and meat color (P < 0.05). Additionally, it led to an enhancement in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.05) and a reduction in the omega-6/omega-3 ratio (P < 0.05). Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, 369 volatile compounds were identified with enhanced levels of acetaldehyde and 1,2,4-trimethyl-benzene associated with PFS (P < 0.05). Among the 807 compounds identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, there were 66 significantly differential compounds (P < 0.05), including 43 hydrophilic metabolites and 23 lipids. PFS supplementation led to significant alterations in 66 metabolites, with three metabolites including 2,5-diisopropyl-3-methylphenol, 3-hydroxydecanoic acid, and lysophosphatidylcholine (15:0) emerging as potential PFS-related biomarkers. The study indicates that PFS supplementation can enhance Tan-lamb growth, feed efficiency, and meat quality, potentially providing lamb meat with improved flavor and nutritional characteristics.

Effects of Organic Fertilizers on the Quality, Yield, and Fatty Acids of Maize and Soybean in Southeast Kazakhstan

This paper presents the effects of organic fertilizers on the yield, quality, and fatty acid composition of maize and soybean in 2022 in Southeast Kazakhstan. Maize and soybean yields were improved by commercial organic fertilizers. In general, the yield, quality, and fatty acid (FA) parameters of both crops were influenced by various types of organic fertilizers. The application of HansePlant fertilizer allowed for an increase in the yield of maize seed by 47% and soybean by 31%. Organic fertilizers improved the quality parameters fat, protein, fiber, and starch in maize by 35%, 22%, 14%, and 8%, respectively, compared to control samples. In soybean, the parameters fat, protein, and fiber were improved by 20%, 3%, and 11%, respectively. The FA compositions of maize and soybean were analyzed via gas chromatography and with tandem mass spectrometer using a polarity column. Compared with no fertilization conditions, the omega-6/omega-3 ratio showed the lowest value in maize (22.40–123.96) and soybean (3.26–4.07). A study of the fatty acid composition groups compared with different fertilizer treatments was performed.

Associations of diet quality and food consumption with serum biomarkers for lipid and amino acid metabolism in Finnish children: the PANIC study.

To investigate the associations of overall diet quality and dietary factors with serum biomarkers for lipid and amino acid metabolism in a general population of children. We studied 194 girls and 209 boys aged 6-8years participating in the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children study. Food consumption was assessed by 4-day food records and diet quality was quantified by the Finnish Children Healthy Eating Index (FCHEI). Fasting serum fatty acids, amino acids, apolipoproteins, as well as lipoprotein particle sizes were analyzed with high-throughput nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Data were analyzed using linear regression adjusted for age, sex, and body fat percentage. FCHEI was directly associated with the ratio of polyunsaturated (PUFA) to saturated fatty acids (SFA) (PUFA/SFA), the ratio of PUFA to monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (PUFA/MUFA), the ratio of PUFA to total fatty acids (FA) (PUFA%), the ratio of omega-3-fatty acids to total FA (omega-3 FA%), and inversely associated with the ratio of MUFA to total FA (MUFA%), alanine, glycine, histidine and very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL) particle size. Consumption of vegetable oils and vegetable-oil-based margarine (≥ 60% fat) was directly associated with PUFA/SFA, PUFA/MUFA, PUFA%, the ratio of omega-6 FA to total FA (omega-6 FA%), and inversely associated with SFA, MUFA, SFA to total FA (SFA%), MUFA%, alanine and VLDL particle size. Consumption of high-fiber grain products directly associated with PUFA/SFA, PUFA/MUFA, omega-3 FA%, omega-6 FA%, PUFA% and inversely associated with SFA and SFA%. Fish consumption directly related to omega-3 FA and omega-3 FA%. Consumption of sugary products was directly associated with histidine and VLDL particle size. Vegetable, fruit, and berry consumption had direct associations with VLDL particle size and the ratio of apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A1. Consumption of low fat (< 1%) milk was directly associated with phenylalanine. A higher consumption of high-fat (≥ 1%) milk was associated with lower serum MUFA/SFA and higher SFA%. Sausage consumption was directly related to SFA% and histidine. Red meat consumption was inversely associated with glycine. Better diet quality, higher in intake of dietary sources of unsaturated fat and fiber, and lower in sugary product intake were associated with more favorable levels of serum biomarkers for lipid and amino acid metabolism independent of adiposity. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01803776, registered March 3, 2013.

Does Islamic investing modify portfolio performance? Time-varying optimization strategies for conventional and Shariah energy-ESG-utilities portfolio

This paper aims to assess the performance of Islamic portfolios vis-à-vis their conventional counterparts across two distinct periods: the pre-COVID-19 era and the COVID-19 era. Departing from prior studies, this study makes a novel contribution by employing an extensive array of 18 portfolio optimization techniques to construct optimal portfolios for conventional stock indices encompassing energy, utilities, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions, as well as their Islamic equivalents. Performance comparisons are made utilizing three risk-adjusted performance measures, namely the Sharpe ratio, the Omega ratio, and the Sortino ratio. Our findings reveal that Shariah portfolios outperform conventional portfolios across all performance measures and risk-aversion levels when the most effective optimization methods are employed, both during pre-crisis and crisis periods. Additionally, our analysis highlights certain methods, namely EWMA, GM, DCC, and SHC, which produce portfolios exhibiting superior performance relative to alternative methods, as assessed by risk-adjusted metrics. Furthermore, Islamic portfolios demonstrate higher average returns compared to their conventional counterparts. Notably, incorporating ESG-related stocks into energy and utilities assets significantly enhances average returns, underscoring the potential of ESG investments. Collectively, our findings have noteworthy implications for investors, as they emphasize the role of Islamic stocks as effective diversifiers, yielding favorable resource allocation opportunities during times of crisis as well as stability. However, investors should exercise caution in selecting the optimal portfolio optimization method, as substantial performance disparities exist among different approaches.

Cold pressed cooking oils: An enigma of choice based on Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio

A range of cold pressed edible oils which are commonly used in households of India were decoded with gas chromatography for their fatty acid composition and n-6/n-3 ratios. Among the nine cold pressed oils tested coconut oil contained highest amount of saturated fat. Safflower and Mustard had about similar amount of unsaturated fatty acids, however the content of monounsaturated fatty acids was high in case of mustard oil (59.16%) and poly unsaturated fatty acids were high in safflower oil (73.61 %). Every oil examined, with the exception of mustard oil, has much more omega 6 than omega 3 fatty acids. The ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids was significantly higher in other oils and more favourable in case of mustard oil.

Properties of Dietary Fatty Acids and Implications on Cancer

Known as one of the most significant noncommunicable diseases, cancer has a high morbidity and mortality rate worldwide. Dietary fatty acids’ effect can be varied upon the structure of components. Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) intakes have positive relation with the risk of dıfferent types of cancers. However, this conclusion alters based on the type of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Omega-3 fatty acids illustrate protective effects against cancer, while omega-6 fatty acids have pro-inflammatory activities. Moreover, ratio of omega-3: omega-6 fatty acids plays a crucial role related to cancer. Ketogenic diet is contraindication for some types of cancer. This diet in cancer patients can be used as secondary treatment, and complications peculiarly cancer cachexia could be improved which increases life quality of cancer patients. In conclusion, decreasing the risk of cancer will be possible by shifting fatty acids consumption toward more omega-3 and less omeg-6 fatty acids and decreased intake of SFAs (via less consuming of processed foods).

Effect of Gender and Muscle Type on Fatty Acid Profile, Sanogenic Indices, and Instrumental and Sensory Analysis of Flemish Giant Rabbit Meat

The aim of this study was to represent quality characterization, by gender and muscle type, of rabbit meat from the Flemish Giant (FG) breed, following the fatty acid profile, sanogenic indices, and instrumental (color and texture) and sensory analysis. The biological material comprised 40 rabbits (20 females and 20 males) whose Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semimembranosus (SM) muscles were sampled. Compared to female samples, the meat from males was more qualitative in terms of higher ratios of polyunsaturated vs. saturated fatty acids and proportions (+42%) of Essential and Desirable Fatty Acids (+21.6% EFA; +6.7% DFA). Also, the Atherogenic Index (AI) and Thrombogenic Index (TI) were better in males (−37.1% AI; −34.3% TI), as were the ratio of hypocholesterolemic/Hypercholesterolemic fatty acids (+27.8%) and the Nutritive Value Index (NVI, +11.6%). The Polyunsaturation Index (PI) was higher for females (+57.5%), with the widest differences in hind leg muscles (SM muscles), while the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio was also better (+11.3%). Female meat was more tender due to lower shear force (−6.2%… 9.3%) in both muscles. Female meat was less pigmented than that of males, while the overall sensory attributes were better scored in male samples (+3.1%… +7.1%) (p &lt; 0.01). The meat of males proved to be more sanogenic (richer in EFA and DFA, with a better h/H ratio and NVI, while AI and TI were lower). We would recommend slaughtering 3–4 weeks earlier in females vs. males to avoid excessive fat deposition and, consequently, the development of unfavorable sanogenic indices for consumer health.

The effect of dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on fetal growth, piglet birth weight and plasma fatty acid concentrations, using docosahexaenoic acid in early gestation in sows

The objective of the study was to test the effect of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on fetal and placental development as well as the birth weight of piglets. A total of 238 multiparous sows were allocated to either a control diet group or a DHA diet group with an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 9.8 and 2.4, respectively, from mating to day 43 of gestation. A blood sample was collected and back fat thickness was measured prior to mating, on days 14, 42 and 112 of gestation. On day 43 of gestation, 14 sows were slaughtered and measurements of fetuses and placentas were taken. Piglets in some litters were weighed individually at farrowing. Dietary treatment did not affect fetal characteristics and back fat thickness (P > 0.05). Dietary treatment increased the plasma concentrations of total omega-3 fatty acids in sows (P < 0.05). Sows fed the DHA diet had a shorter gestation length compared to the control sows (P < 0.05), but the number of born piglets was not affected (P > 0.05). The average piglet birth weight and the within-litter variation in birthweight were unaffected by dietary DHA (P > 0.05), however, sows fed DHA diet had fewer piglets under 800 g at birth compared to control sows (P < 0.05). In conclusion, addition of DHA decreased the dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, increased plasma n-3 fatty acid concentrations in sows and decreased the number of piglets weighing under 800 g at birth.

287 Effect of Diet Supplementation with Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Reproduction and Milk Production in Cattle

Abstract The aim was to assess the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on reproduction and milk production in cattle. Holstein cows (primiparous; n = 22], multiparous; n = 28) housed at the Kansas State University dairy were randomly assigned to two diets: omega-6:omega-3 ratio of 6:1 (Control, n = 26), or 2:1 (OMG3, n = 24), and allocated randomly into 6 pens (3 controls and 3 OMG3). Diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. GreatOPlus, which is an extruded feed containing flaxseed and Nannochloropsis oculata algae, was used in OMG3. Cows were milked 3x/d, and fed fed experimental diets from 15 days in milk (DIM) until ~140 DIM 1x/d. Data were analyzed using the Glimmix procedure (SAS 9.4). Body condition score was not different (P = 0.15) between Controls and OMG3 diets at –21, 0, 21, 50, 75, or 110 DIM. Multiparous OMG3 cows (60.8 ± 2.2 kg) tended (P = 0.1) to produce more milk (15 to 140 DIM) than multiparous Controls (55.6 ± 2.2 kg). Primiparous (41.5±1.7 kg) produced less (P &amp;lt; 0.01) milk than multiparous, with no difference between diets. Based on milk and blood samples from 15, 50, 75, and 110 DIM, milk protein (2.84 ± 0.34%) and fat (3.27 ± 1.08%) were not different between diets (P &amp;gt; 0.45), but plasma ratio omega-6:omega-3 was reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.001) in the OMG3 at 50, 75, and 110 DIM compared with Controls. Thus, hypothesis 1 was supported, that OMG3 would not influence milk protein or fat content but would have greater omega-3 concentration. Oocyte quality was assessed by a single oocyte harvest at 50 DIM, and number of follicles (&amp;gt; 3 mm) or recovered oocytes did not differ between diets (P &amp;gt; 0.3), but a diet-by-parity interaction was detected (P = 0.0007) for the number of grade I and II oocytes/total recovered oocytes: primiparous-Controls = 58.5 ± 8.6%; multiparous-Controls = 59.7 ± 7.9%; primiparous-OMG3 = 31.2 ± 7.8%; multiparous-OMG3 = 70.5 ± 7.5%. Cows received first and second TAI at 75 and 110 DIM, respectively, and weekly ovarian ultrasound was performed from day 11 post-TAI until day 30 to evaluate CL volume and blood flow. On day 30 post-TAI, pregnancy was diagnosed by an embryo with heartbeat. From days 30 to 60 post-TAI, pregnant cows had CL, embryo, and amniotic vesicle evaluations. Only pregnant primiparous-Controls (n = 6), primiparous-OMG3 (n = 7), and multiparous-Controls (n = 9) were compared post-TAI due to lack of representation in the multiparous-OMG3. CL volume did not differ (P &amp;gt; 0.3) among groups, but CL blood flow was less in primiparous-Controls on days 25 and 39 post-TAI. Finally, embryo and vesicle size did not differ among groups (P &amp;gt; 0.7). Thus, hypothesis 2 was partially supported, that omega-3 enhances oocyte quality and in vivo embryo development. In conclusion, omega-3 supplementation increases omega-3 in blood and enhanced oocyte and CL quality, but it is unclear if this can translate into direct benefits on embryos from day 30 to 60 of gestation.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and the Ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 Fatty Acids Consumption among Women in the Adventist Health Study-2.

To assess the associations of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids consumption, and the ratio between the two, with self-reported doctor told Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) diagnosis. Further, to assess whether initiation of omega-3 supplements intake was related to time/year of SLE diagnosis. Data from 42,398 women in the Adventist Health Study-2 cohort were used for this cross-sectional study. Unconditional logistic regression modeling was used for all analyses with the following candidate covariates: age, race, education, smoking, and body mass index (BMI). Compared to non-cases, participants with a diagnosis of SLE reported higher intakes of total omega-3 fatty acids and about the same intakes of omega-6 fatty acids. Overall, they had higher ratios of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. When assessing odds ratios of SLE diagnosis by quartiles of omega-3 to omega-6 and DHA+EPA to omega-6, there was a positive significant trend (p trend = 0.005). Additionally, among those reporting intake of fish oil, 87% had initiated fish oil consumption around the time of SLE diagnosis. SLE was more likely to occur among Black women compared to White women, among ever smokers compared to never smokers, among overweight women compared to women with normal/underweight, and among women 50-59years compared to those 30-49year old. When a smaller 6year follow-up study identified 64 incident SLE cases and assessed their omega-3 intake at baseline (6years earlier and before the SLE diagnosis) their intake of omega-3 and fish oil was no different than among non-cases. We observed a significant positive association between the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids consumption and prevalence of SLE. Among those with prevalent SLE, their year of starting supplementation of omega-3 and fish oil was closely linked to year of SLE diagnosis. Further, baseline intake of omega-3 fatty acids was not increased among 64 incident SLE cases identified during 6years of follow-up. Our surprising finding can best be explained by reverse causation. This could be an example of how public health information is assimilated and acted upon by a health conscious public.

Comparative risk aversion vs. threshold choice in the Omega ratio

We study conditions under which the threshold parameter in the Omega ratio represents risk aversion in the sense of monotonicity of risk premia. To this end, we derive asymptotic expansions for risk premia associated with taking a small additional risk on top of a background risk. These risk premia have the expected monotonicity behavior if, roughly speaking, the variance of the additional risk decreases with the background risk and if the density of the background risk is log-concave. When these conditions are violated, the threshold in the Omega ratio does not represent risk aversion in general. Finally, we compare our sufficient conditions for the Omega ratio to those that are needed to guarantee monotonicity of risk premia with an expected utility criterion under background risk. We argue that the conditions that are needed for the Omega threshold to represent risk aversion are comparable to those that are needed for expected utility with exponential utility functions.

Meat fatty acids profile including metabolic, qualitative, nutritional indices, and organoleptic evaluation as affected by Rumex nervosus leaves meal fortified broiler diets

The effects of dietary supplementation with Rumex nervosus leaves (RNL) on fatty acid (FAs) indices, organoleptic evaluation, performance index, and feed efficiency were investigated. This study consists of five treatments. Broilers in treatments 1–4 received basal feed plus RNL at doses of 0, 1, 3, and 5 g/kg, while broilers in treatment 5 received basal feed plus the antibiotic Colimex. On day 34, FAs profile and organoleptic assessment were evaluated, and performance index and feed efficiency were determined for the entire experimental period. Results showed that FAs profile of the breast meat was affected by treatments with varying degrees (p˂0.05). The 1 g RNL resulted in the highest eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid, which resulted in the highest meat lipid quality, the highest elongation index, improved organoleptic characteristics, and tended to improve performance index, feed efficiency, and nutritional index. The 5 g RNL treatment reduced total saturated fatty acids (ƩSFAs), omega-6/omega-3 ratio, especially linoleic acid/α-linolenic acid ratio, alanine aminotransferase, and increased total omega-3 fatty acids, unsaturation index, and Δ9-desaturase. In conclusion, RNL can be introduced to broiler diets, especially at an incorporation rate of 1 g, and it promotes broiler health and performance because it contains phytoconstituents that can alter the content and indices of FAs meat and improve storability and sensory quality.

Portfolio insurance strategy in the cryptocurrency market

In this study, we perform a comparative analysis of portfolio insurance strategies for the cryptocurrency market. We examine performance evaluation regarding the various downside risks under different economic conditions and explore the impact of investors’ utility based on Expected Utility and Prospect Theory. We confirm evident economic gains using portfolio insurance in the cryptocurrency market and demonstrate reduced downside risks with a higher Omega ratio, implying reasonable risk-managed profit compared to buy-and-hold. Most importantly, portfolio insurance provides opportunities for a higher utility in cryptocurrency than in the traditional stock market, indicating a greater economic value of portfolio insurance.

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) low temperature processing: Oil quality and fatty acids profile

Flaxseed consumption has been prioritized by health-conscious people all over the world. Its consumption raises interest to it both from a personal and an industrial prospect due to its remarkable fatty acids profile. Besides its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, flaxseed oil is known for its low omega 6/omega 3 ratio, which may possess health improving properties because this oil is precursor of anti-inflammatory molecules. However, the high amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids in flaxseed oil causes its high sensitivity to high temperatures, to light and to oxygen, which may lead to its oxidation and quality degradation. Screw pressing can produce high quality oil but in lesser volume, which could be disadvantage. Therefore, the extraction process must be optimized for maximizing oil recovery, while maintaining oxidation indicators within limits specified by regulations, as well as a potentially health beneficial fatty acid profile. Optimization of screw press parameters for pressing out the flaxseed oil were investigated by Response Surface Methodology. Both size of the cake outlet and the speed of the screw pressing were optimized, and the values that provided the highest experimental oil recovery, 41.4%, were of 1 mm and 155.89 rpm respectively. Although the overall trend in oil extraction showed a rising oil recovery when screw speeds increased from 98.73 up to 213.05 rpm, certain fluctuations were observed in oil extraction with varying outlet cake sizes. However, there was an inversely-proportional function between the oil recovery and the size of the cake outlet, therefore, screw speed provided a minor, non-significant effect while the size of the cake outlet proved to have a strong effect on oil recovery. The highest acid value and peroxide value accounted to 0.71 mg KOH/g and to 7.71 meq/kg respectively. Sediment content (SC) of screw pressed flax oil ranged between 9.12~14%. During the oil extraction at the maximum yield, temperature increased, however the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 in the obtained oil still remained low.

Does commodity exposure benefit traditional portfolios? Evidence from India

Commodities and commodity futures are expected to benefit stock and bond portfolio diversification because traditional asset types like equities and bonds have low correlations with commodities. During periods when stocks and bonds may underperform, commodities may provide a hedge against inflation and other economic uncertainties. This study investigates the diversification benefits of adding commodities to a traditional portfolio of stock and bonds from the perspective of an Indian investor. It employs several commonly used asset allocation strategies such as mean-variance, equal risk contribution, most diversified portfolio, and equal weight portfolio on different commodity derivative groups. The performance of various portfolios indicates that not all commodity groups provide substantial diversification benefits to a traditional portfolio. Agricultural commodities enhance performance (with an Omega ratio of 1.654), whereas metal and energy-related commodities do not diversify the traditional portfolio significantly (Omega ratio of 1.087 and 0.945, respectively). Gold and different equity sectors also provide some diversification benefits. This study also supports the hypothesis that the behavior of different commodity groups is quite different. AcknowledgmentThe infrastructural support provided by the FORE School of Management, New Delhi, in completing this paper is gratefully acknowledged.